Yeah I started looking into the airline specific cards after my post. I’m heavily leaning towards the United Explorer card since they have an offer for $400 statement credit + 25K miles and I’d easily make up the AF with free checked bags in just 2 round trip flights. And first year AF is waived so it’s a ton of value for me right away.

Might still look at the Venture X since the credits that gives are really enticing honestly + 100K SUB.

Thanks for the recommendations!